Journeys Near and Far

Painted Metaphors: Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya

A New Exhibit Opens at Penn Museum

A new traveling exhibition opens today at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology:  Painted Metaphors:  Pottery and Politics of the Ancient Maya. 

I had the opportunity to preview this exhibit last Monday and I really loved it -- I have a long-standing interest in the ancient Maya, their glyphs and drawings, so this collection, scheduled to be on display until January 31, 2010, intrigued me. 

Focusing on ordinary people and their daily lives, the exhibit showcases the famous Chama painted pottery excavated nearly a century ago by the University of  Pennsylvania. 

Newly reinterpreted in light of recent research in the field, the pottery, which forms the centerpiece of the Painted Metaphors exhibit, yields new clues to understanding the everyday life -- and changing politics -- of the ancient Maya of Guatemala 1,300 years ago.

The almost two dozen recently conserved Maya painted vessels come from Chama, a Maya village in the highlands far from the more sophisticated lowland centers of Maya culture.  Discovered by Penn Museum archaeologist Robert Burkitt, this vibrant painted pottery is unlike anything else the region ever produced.

Why is that, I wondered?  Exhibition Curator Dr. Elin Danien, Research Associate at the Penn Museum, suggests these are "painted metaphors", or pictorial narratives, reflecting the sudden introduction of people and ideas from the Maya lowlands.  Interesting.

Travel in Troubled Times - Tips from Rick Steves

Rick Steves Gives Tips on Getting Value for your Travel Dollar in Europe

This past weekend at the New York Times Travel Show, Rick Steves, author of 30 plus books on European travel and host/producer of Rick Steves' Europe, discussed how to make the most out of a trip to Europe in a seminar called "Europe Through the Back Door." 

Steves noted that Americans have the shortest vacations in the rich world, a fact that hits home for those of us who struggle to get every possible moment away from work that we can to travel.

His comment reminded me of the articles I read years ago, written by Arthur Frommer, who ranted about the  "scandal of American vacation time."   We need to make the best travel decisions since we have such limited time, says Steves.

Steves, a man who's thankful for finding his niche in life, celebrates "smart travel" and urges travelers to find "back doors" -- places that don't have promotional budgets, and so tend not to be overpriced.  He then offered the audience some valuable travel advice, some of which I will share with you here:

Get Away from the Main Drag

"Eat in restaurants frequented by the locals," Steves says.  The prices won't be inflated and you'll have the chance to see how the locals live. 

When visiting destinations that are on the list for bus tour side-trips, such as Toledo, Spain or Rothenburg, Germany, come in late in the day and head out the next morning before the tour groups arrive.  "The most touristy places are the most charming when you stay overnight," he says.

Don't Forget about the Big Modern Cities

Steves, who noted that he's "a sucker for cute, old, dead stuff," suggests that we always pay a visit to a big metropolis in the European countries we visit in addition to old sites like ruins and castles.  He describes these cities as the "new Manhattans" with "skyscrapers that stick up like stilettos," and says that seeing them will round out your view of the countries you are visiting.

Get the Scoop on What's New in Travel at the New York Times Travel Show

Travel Workshops offer Tips, Inspiration and Entertainment

I just returned from spending the day at the New York Times Travel Show and I urge anyone who loves travel to get to the show tomorrow if you're in or near New York City.

At the show you can stroll through nearly 500 exhibitors representing more than 100 countries, watch international dance and live music performances, and see sneak previews of upcoming Travel Channel shows.  You can sample international food and wines, learn to scuba dive in a 1,000 gallon, heated dive pool and attend travel workshops given by experts.

I spent much of the day listening to some of those talks:

• Rick Steves, who was wildly entertaining, shared travel tips and insights in his 90 minute seminar called "Europe Through the Back Door." 
• Father and daughter team Arthur and Pauline Frommer talked about  the best bargains for the year ahead, which was helpful for those of us who want to keep traveling during these difficult economic times.
• Samantha Brown, host of "Passport to Great Weekends," answered questions about her life, how she became a Travel Channel host, and her favorite travel experiences.  I almost missed this one, and I'm so glad I didn't - she's fabulous.

The line-up for tomorrow's seminars includes:

• Patricia Schultz, bestselling author of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, who will detail some of the most amazing destinations on earth.
• Rick Steves will give his "Europe Through the Back Door" workshop again.
• Andrew Zimmern, host of "Bizarre Foods," will give a sneak peek of his upcoming shows and answer questions.
• Rick Steves will give a talk called "Travel as a Political Act," which is the title of his new book that will be out in about a month.
• Samantha  Brown will return to give sneak peeks of her upcoming shows and answer audience questions.

These are just a few of the workshops you can attend tomorrow.  Plus you might not want to miss the one called "Castle Hopping in Ireland" or another one about choosing the right spa.

A few show tips:

Before you go, check the show's list of exhibitors on their website and list the booth numbers of those you don't want to miss.  Then use the map you'll get when your arrive to find them.

Plan out which seminars you want to attend in advance and arrive a little early.  There was standing room only today for the Rick Steves, Arthur & Pauline Frommer and Samantha Brown talks. 

Visit the American Express booking stations to take advantage of the show-only special deals. 

You might want to bring a sandwich or some munchies in your bag.  (You are going to bring a bag, aren't you?  The handles on those plastic ones they provide hurt your hands when they get heavy).  The pre-made chicken salad sandwich I bought off the shelf today at a vendor in the hallway cost nearly $9.00. 

Finally, if you can't make it to the New York Times Travel Show, there are lots of other travel events happening this month.  Read about them here.

Note:  See The Nomadic Pinoy's write-up (and photos) of the show.

Photos courtesy of the New York Times Travel Show. 

 

 

6 Top February Travel Events

If you're like me...

You love learning about travel destinations and opportunities. 

So here's some news:  February is full of events you'll want to experience.  Below I list six of the big ones coming up.  I'm sure there are some that I've missed... if you know of any, please let me know by leaving a comment below.

The New York Times Travel Show

If you live near New York City you should try to get to  The New York Times Travel Show on February 6th - 8th. 

I plan to be there -- it's a great opportunity to explore hundreds of destinations around the globe all beneath one roof:  The Jacob Javits Convention Center. 

This show is the largest consumer and trade travel event of its kind in the USA, so pack a lot of energy in your suitcase, you'll need it!

What's cool about this show is that besides the nearly 500 exhibitors representing more than 100 countries, you'll be able to enjoy live cultural entertainment, international culinary presentations, and attend travel seminars as well as talks by well-known travel experts.  I'm looking forward to speakers such as Arthur and Pauline Frommer, Rick Steves and Travel Channel experts.

Whether you travel solo, as a family, a couple, on a budget, for relaxation or adventure, you'll find what you're looking for here.

The Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Show

On February 5th - 8th, those of you who can make it to London should attend The Times Destinations Holiday & Travel Show.  Held in Earls Court, this show looks like it will be a lot of fun.  Explorers, writers and experts will regale you with their travel tales in the "Meet the Expert Theaters," and you can listen to and be inspired by the likes of Celebrity Adventurer and Actor Charley Boorman, BBC's Wildlife, Science and Adventure Travel Presenter Kate Humble, and Architectural Historian and BBC Presenter Dan Cruickshank.  Sounds like fun.

If you can't make it to London on those dates, the show will also be held in Birmingham on February 27th - March 1st.

The Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show

If you live on the other side of the country, why not attend the Los Angeles Times Travel and Adventure Show?  To be held February 14th and 15th at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this show will feature more than 500 exhibitors, and travel experts Arthur and Pauline Frommer and Rick Steves will be here as well, as will Phil Keoghan of the Amazing Race and author of No Opportunity Wasted. 

Here you'll be able to attend two days of inspiring travel talks and panels made up of many of today's leading travel experts.  And this sounds fun:  Get your questions answered during a "Meet the Speakers" event following each session.

The Boston Globe Travel Show

Back on the East coast, The Boston Globe Travel Show will take place on February 20th - 22nd.  This show, held at the Seaport World Trade Center, is the largest travel event in New England, and will feature destinations, packagers and travel agencies from around the world.  Hundreds of prizes and show-only deals will be offered, as well as cultural performances and talks by travel experts.  Want to win a four-night stay at Guoman's luxurious 5-star Royal Horseguards Hotel in London?  Just complete the show survey.  Hmmm... maybe I should take a trip up to Boston after I'm done in New York.

Adventures in Travel Expo

I've been to the Adventures in Travel Expo  several times when it's held in New York City (which will be October 10th and 11th this year).  It's going to be in Washington, D.C. on February 21st and 22nd.  With the focus on adventure travel, this show is a lot of fun.  You can even learn to Scuba dive in their heated pool or try your hand at rock climbing.

Travelers' Tales Festival

This one may not be as big as the previous five, but for something a little different, why not attend Travelers' Tales Festival in London February 28th - March 1st?  With key speakers such as Colin Thubron, Alexander McCall Smith, William Dalrymple and Sara Wheeler, this is bound to be a fascinating experience. 

Held at the Royal Geographical Society,  as an attendee you will go to lectures by world-famous names and talks about fascinating regions of the world.  You'll view beautiful travel photography exhibitions, try out the latest travel gear or participate in do-it-yourself travel writing or photography workshops.  So hurry... at the time of this posting there are only 394 tickets left! 

 

Top photo Courtesy of The N.Y. Times Travel Show; center photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times Travel  & Adventure Show.

 

 

Adventures in Travel Expo 2008

Plan Your Ideal Adventure Vacation...

...at the 2008 Adventures in Travel Expo in New York City!  If  you're going to be in the New York City area this weekend (January 12th and 13th), here's a travel show you won't want to miss. 

It seems like only yesterday that I wrote about last year's show, and now it's here again.  Located at Pier 94 (12th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets), the show has a lot to offer those who "suffer" from wanderlust.  So whether your idea of adventure is climbing Mount Everest or wine-tasting in the Finger Lakes, browse the exhibitors' tables and see what's new.   

National Geographic will again be offering their adventure sessions, in a dazzling variety of topics such as "To the Ends of the Earth:  Adventures of an Expedition Photographer" by renowned photographer, writer and explorer Gordon Wiltsie, and "Traveling with a Nobility of Purpose" for those who want a more meaningful travel experience.

There will be other travel seminars as well:

• Travel guru Arthur Frommer will speak on Saturday, January 12th about Adventures on a Budget
• Franz and Kurt Wisner will speak, also on Saturday, about a two-week trip to Costa Rica that turned into a two-year global walkabout.   The trip, taken after Franz Wisner's fiancee left him stranded at the altar, resulted a best-selling memoir, Honeymoon with My Brother.

For those who like to learn by experience, you can climb a rock wall or try Scuba diving in a heated pool.  Or try an adventure ropes course or the aerial zip line.  (Zip lining is fun -- see my previous post about zip lining in Guatemala.)

The show also offers a full schedule of cultural performances, such as Shiko Mawatu Congolese Music, Magbana West Africa Drumming, and the Sounds of Brazil Brazooka. 

So pack your bags and get your subway, bus or train tickets and I'll see you in New York!

And one more thing:   If you can't make it to the New York City show this weekend, additional shows will be held in other cities:  January 26 - 27 in Chicago, Long Beach, California on February 9 - 10, and Washington DC on  March 29 - 30.  See their website for more information.

Edinburgh Fringe Festival - Barrie: A Life in Stories

Visiting Edinburgh this week?  Don't miss Barrie:  A Life in Stories

I've just returned from Scotland where I had the wonderful experience of meeting a group of actors.  Their quartet, known as Splinters Productions, is performing as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and I recommend that you see their show Home to Neverland:  A Window on J.M. Barrie (formerly called Barrie:  A Life in Stories), which has been getting excellent reviews.

Timothy Ramsden of ReviewsGate.com writes, "Splinters Productions has spent a decade exploring Scotland’s writers and artists, so it’s no surprise they’ve turned their hands to Kirriemuir’s famous son, J M Barrie.  He has been widely subsumed by one of his creations, Peter Pan, as has Arthur Conan Doyle by Sherlock Holmes. But Barrie (1860-1937) was more than a one-fantasy writer as this collage of his work, set within a framing commentary as the elderly Barrie addresses students on his election as Rector of St Andrews University, makes clear."  Read the full review here.

Barrie , Scottish journalist, playwright and children's book author, is most famous for his enduring play and story about Peter Pan (1904), the boy who lived in Neverland, battled the vile Captain Hook, and wouldn't grow up.  If you're a fan of Peter Pan or liked the recent Johnny Depp film Finding Neverland, which follows Barrie's journey to bring Peter Pan to life, or if you want to learn more about Barrie and, best of all, see a mesmerizing performance by a quartet of actors who weave their magic as with the highly successful For the Islands I Sing, don't miss Barrie:  A Life in Stories.  It's being held at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street,  Edinburgh, Phone:  (0)131 556-9579.  The show begins at 7 PM each night through Saturday, September 1st, which is the final performance. Don't miss it! 

Update:  You can still catch a performance of Home to Neverland:  A Window on J.M. Barrie.  The next three performances will take place Thursday, October 2nd, 2008 at the Townmill Theatre, Strathaven; Friday, October 3rd, 2008 in Melrose at the Wynd Theatre; and Saturday, October 4th, 2008 in Selkirk at the Bowhill Theatre.  Shows in additional cities will be held during the period of October 9th through 25th.  See the Splinters Productions website for more information.

Learn more about the Scottish Storytelling Centre by reading their brochure.

Top photo:  The Barrie production, bottom photo: Scottish Storytelling Centre, both by Melody Moser.  Right photo:  JM Barrie.

The Glory of Ancient Egypt

Two Stunning IMAX Films Show the Glory of Ancient Egypt

If you are heading to the King Tut exhibit at the Franklin Institute, (see my earlier post), or to Egypt, for that matter!), I recommend that you schedule your time to first see The Mysteries of Egypt in the Franklin Institute's IMAX theater.  The Mysteries of Egypt by National Geographic is a stunning film that unlocks the myths and reveals the masterpieces of this amazing empire that began some 5,000 years ago.

Omar Sharif guides viewers on a magic carpet-ride that soars over the Nile and across the Valley of the Kings, descending into the shadowy chambers of King Tut's sacred tomb, a tomb for a king whose people believed that death was not an end, but the beginning of a great journey.  Accompanying him in the film is young actress Kate Maberly (of 1993's The Secret Garden).

This film portrays the glory of Ancient Egypt and the pride that modern Egyptians have in their heritage.  Of course, many of you reading this don't live near Philadelphia, so note that, while it's not the same as seeing the film on the large format IMAX screen, you can buy the DVD -- a worthwhile addition to the collection of any lover of history!

Also, a new IMAX movie premiered at the Franklin Institute on Friday, March 16th:  Mummies:  Secrets of the Pharaohs.  While I haven't had a chance to go see it yet, it sounds amazing.    The film follows researchers and explorers who, in addition to learning what the culture, religion, medicine and daily life was like thousands of years ago, are reconstructing mummy DNA and deciphering ancient texts to gain insight into modern human genetics and advanced medical treatments.  Read more on the film's website.

Narrated by actor Christopher Lee (you know -- Saruman from The Lord of the Rings?), the film helps unravel the mystery of the royal mummies:  how were they embalmed?  Why were they hidden where they were?  How were they recovered?  I'm fascinated by mummies as many people are;  here are some suggestions on where to start reading if you'd like to learn more about the ancient practice of mummification.  And here's a list of theaters worldwide that will show Mummies:  Secrets of the Pharaohs.

Note:  If you're confused about where King Tut fits into the royal line, download this file:  timeline.pdf .  It shows when King Tut lived and ruled.

Photo courtesy of the Egyptian Tourist Office.

King Tut Rules Again

Philadelphia Hosts Two Magnificent Egyptian Exhibits

The heat of the Egyptian sun formed beads of sweat on Lord Carnarvon's brow, and he wiped them away impatiently.  Besides him, Egyptologist Howard Carter peered into the hole he'd made in the door of the newly discovered pharaoh's tomb as hot air escaped from the chamber.  "Can you see anything?"  Lord Carnarvon asked anxiously, unable to stand the suspense any longer.

"Yes, wonderful things!" Carter replied.

It was November 26, 1922, and Carter had just made the most spectacular archaeological discovery of all time -- that of the tomb of a once little-known pharaoh, the boy-king Tutankhamun, who lived more than 3,300 years ago.  The only tomb of its era to be found intact and full of indescribable treasures (as well as a mysterious curse), Carter's find helped make Tutankhamun the most popular of the Egyptian pharaohs in the modern world.

Thirty years ago, from 1976-1979, Tut's treaures visited the United States.  No other cultural exhibit has piqued the nation's curiosity -- before or since -- in quite the same way as The Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibit.  During that period, nearly 8 million Americans viewed the rare artifacts during  sold-out tours at each museum where they appeared.

Now, from February 3rd to September 30th, 2007, Tut's treasures are once again on display -- this time, at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, the final stop in the current exhibit's U.S. tour.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs

More than double the size of the original 1976 exhibit, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs brings nearly 130 pieces of Egyptian antiquities, many outside of Egypt for the first time, to the Franklin Institute.  Objects on display range from Tut's royal crown to the confinettes that contained his organs.  In addition, more than 70 artifacts from five other pharaoh's tombs of the 18th dynasty are on display.  Some of the artifacts date back 3,500 years.

The exhibit begins with a short film.  You'll explore galleries that highlight life in Egypt before King Tut, in which you'll learn about daily life, traditional Egyptian beliefs, and death, burial and the afterlife.  Then you'll move on to galleries featuring the revolutionary ruler Akhenaten, his religious revolution, the art of the period and then the life -- and death -- of the famous boy-king.

Finally, you'll learn about the mystery that surrounds Tut's death via CT scans.  Despite four previous examinations of his mummy, it was not until 2005 during a five-year Egyptian research and conservation project that the truth of why Tut died so young came to light.

Check back in the near future for a post on another amazing Egyptian exhibit currently in Philadelphia!

Note:  If you can't get to to Philadelphia to see the Tut exhibit, don't despair -- the exhibit will travel to London in November, 2007.

Top photo courtesy of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC); bottom photo courtesy of K. Ciappa for GPTMC.

Adventures In Travel Expo, New York City

What's Your Ultimate Travel Adventure?

If you're going to be in New York City this weekend, you can find out -- at the Adventures in Travel Expo, the largest active and adventure travel show on the east coast.  It's a great place to discover all types of travel adventures and destinations, whatever you envision that adventure to be.

I'll be attending for my second time and am looking forward to it.   It's a popular event and lots of fun -- as they say on their website, "the New York show attracts over 22,000 consumers and 950 travel agents looking for new and exciting vacation destinations and opportunities that will allow you to experience the world – your way!"

Located at Pier 94 (12th Avenue between 54th and 55th Streets -- they've moved from the Javitz Center this year), the show will offer seminars on a variety of travel topics such as National Geographic Adventure's "The New Magellans -- the First Circumnavigation of the Planet Using Only Human Power" and "All About Africa: Planning Your Next Great Safari." 

There will also be book signings by noted travel experts such as Arthur and Pauline Frommer,  who will also be presenting the Keynote, "Lessons from a Lifetime of Travel."   There will be a variety of activities such as learning to Scuba Dive in the Expo's heated pool (how cool is that?) and an Adventure Ropes Course in which you can experience the thrill of Aerial Zip-Lining as you fly across the Expo floor. 

There's much more, such as a Culinary Theater, a Rock Climbing Wall, lots of prizes and of course, a long list of exhibitors to talk to and gather information from about your dream destinations. 

If you can't get to New York City this weekend (January 13th and 14th), the show will also be held in Chicago, Illinois on January 27th and 28th; Long Beach, California on February 10th and 11th; and Washington D.C. on March 3rd and 4th. 

See you in New York?

Photos courtesy of Adventures In Travel Expo.

Darwin at the Franklin Institute

Darwin -- The Man, His Life and Ideas

Darwin, the most in-depth exhibition ever mounted on this highly original naturalist and his theory of evolution by natural selection, is on display right now at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.  I saw it on Saturday and don't know why I waited so long -- it opened October 6th and will be at the museum until December 31st.  If you'll be in the Philadelphia area this weekend, please go see it -- it's remarkable!

Darwin was an amazing man.  He forever changed the perception of the origin and nature of our species, as well as the numerous other species on this planet, launching modern biological science.  This exhibition is developed by the American Museum of Natural History (you know, the one where everything comes alive at night as Ben Stiller finds out in the movie Night At the Museum, playing now across the country?) 

The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through Darwin's life, starting with his childhood and his relationship with his family, then moves to his life at school and as a young naturalist.  It covers his fascinating five-year journey on the HMS Beagle to South America, the Galápagos Islands and beyond from 1831-1836, then his marriage, family life and study at Down House, and the shaping of his idea.  Kids will like the live animals:  two Galápagos tortoises, a five-foot long green iguana, and several ornate Argentinian horned frogs (which I thought were kind of cute).

"Darwin left a rich paper trail revealing just what he saw on the Beagle, how he came to his realization that life has evolved, how he discovered natural selection in 1838, and how he developed into a top-notch experimental evolutionary biologist while living at Down House for the last 40 years of his life," says Dr. Niles Eldredge, Curator of Darwin.

If you see the Darwin Exhibit, I suggest you also take in the IMAX movie Galápagos.  The film follows Marine Biologist Dr. Carole Baldwin as she retraces Darwin's steps on his epic voyage.  On land and in the water she encounters an abundance of marine life including marine iguanas and the world's largest shark - the Whale Shark.  In the film, Dr. Baldwin delves deeply into the largely unknown waters surrounding this volcanic archipelago which Charles Darwin visited in 1835.  Watching it will help you learn more about Darwin's world and the plants and animals he studied.

Note:  Teachers, check out this Teacher's Guide to the Galápagos on the Franklin Institute's website.

Can't make the exhibit or don't live near Philadelphia?  I picked up two books about Darwin that look interesting:  Cyril Aydon's biography Charles Darwin, and Darwin, His Daughter, & Human Evolution by Randal Keynes.

And oh, got kids?  Don't miss the Franklin Institute's Animal Grossology exhibit!  Meet some of the slipperiest, smelliest, utterly dirtiest creatures on Earth in this disgusting exhibit.  I checked it out and yes, it's gross.  Your kids will love it.

Photos courtesy of the Franklin Institute.  Iguana and Skull Wall photographer Dennis Finnin; Tortoise photographer Joe McDonald.